Newton’s Law of Gravitational

Background Information for the Learners (BIL)

Isaac Newton compared the acceleration of the moon to the acceleration
of objects on earth. Believing that gravitational forces were responsible for each,
Newton was able to draw an important conclusion about the dependence of
gravity upon distance. This comparison led him to conclude that the force of
gravitational attraction between the Earth and other object is inversely
proportional to the distance separating the earth’s center from the object’s
center. But distance is not the only variable affecting the magnitude of a
gravitational force. Consider Newton’s famous equation

Fnet=m*a
Newton knew that the force that caused the apple’s acceleration (gravity)
must be dependent upon the mass of the apple. And since the force acting to
cause the apple’s downward acceleration also causes the earth’s upward
acceleration (Newton’s third law), that force is also dependent pon the mass of
the earth. So for Newton, the force of gravity acting between the earth and any
object is directly proportional to the mass of the earth, directly proportional to the
mass of the object, and inversely proportional to the square of the distance that
separates the center of the earth and the object.

The universal gravitation equation

Newton’s law of universal gravitation is about the universality of gravity.
Newton’s place in the Gravity Hall of Fame is not due to his discovery of gravity,
but rather due to his discovery that gravitation is universal. All objects attract
each other with a force of gravitational attraction. Gravity is universal. This force
of gravitational attraction is directly proportional upon the masses of both
objects and inversely proportional to the square of the distance that separates
their centers. Newton’s conclusion about the magnitude of gravitational force is
summarized symbolically as

Fgravα =𝒎𝟏𝒅∗𝟐𝒎𝟐
WhereFgravrepresents the force of gravity between two
objects αmeans “proportional to” m1 represents the
mass of object 1 m2 represents the mass of object 2
d represents the distance separating the object’s center

Since the gravitational force is directly proportional to the mass of both

interacting objects, more massive objects will attract each other with a greater
gravitational force. So as the mass of either object increase, the force of
gravitational attraction between them also increases. If the mass of one of the
objects is doubled, then the force of gravity between them is tripled. If the mass
of both of the objects is doubled, then the force of gravity between them is
quadrupled, and so on
Since gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the
separation distance between the two interacting objects, more separation
distance will result in weaker gravitational force. So as two objects are
separated from each other, the force of gravitational attraction between them
also decreases. If the separation distance between two objects is doubled
(increased by a factor of 2), then the force of gravitational attraction is
decreased by a factor 4 (2 raised to the second power). If the separation
distance between any two objects is tripled (increased by a factor of 3), then the
force of gravitational attraction is decreased by a factor of 9 (3 raised to the
second power).

Thinking proportionally about Newton’s equation

The proportionalities expressed by Newton’s universal law of gravitation
are represented graphically by the following illustration. Observe how the force
of gravity
is directly proportional to the product of the two masses and inversely
proportional to the square of the distance of separation.

Another means of representing the proportionalities is to express the

relationships in the form of an
equation using a constant
proportionality. This equation is
shown below.

The constant of proportionality (G) in the above equation is known as the

universal gravitation constant. The precise value of G was determined
experimentally by Henry Cavendish in the century after Newton’s death. The
value of G is found to be
 G=6.673 x 10 -11 N m2/kg2

The units on G may seem rather odd;

Nonetheless they are sensible. When the units on G are substituted into
the equation above and multiplied by m 1 x m2 units and divided by d2 units, the
result will be Newtons – the unit of force.

Using Newton’s gravitation equation to solve problems

Knowing the value of G allows us to calculate the force of gravitational
attraction between any two objects of known mass and known separation
distance.
As a first example, consider the following problem.

Sample Problem #1
Determine the force of gravitational attraction between the earth (m=5.98 x 10 24
kg) and a 70- kg physics student if the student is standing at sea level, a
distance of 6.38
x 106m from the earth’s center.

*The solution of the problem involves substituting known values of G (6.673 x

10-11N m2/kg2, m1 (5.98 x 1024 kg), m2 (70 kg) and d (6.38 x 10 6m) into the
universal gravitation equation and solving for F grav. The solution is as follows:
𝑚2
(6.673 𝑥 10−11 𝑁𝑘𝑔 2).(5.98𝑥 1024𝑘𝑔).(70𝑘𝑔)

Fgav = (6.38 𝑥 106 𝑚)2

Fgav = 686 N
 Two general concepts can be made about the results of the two sample
calculations above. First, observe that the force of gravity acting upon the
students
(a.k.a. the student’s weight) is less on an airplane at 40 000 feet than at sea
level. This illustrates the inverse relationship between separation distance and
the force of gravity (or in this case, the weight of the student). The student
weighs less at the higher altitude. However, a mere change of 40000 feet
further from the center of the earth is virtually negligible. This altitude altered
the student’s weight by 2 N that is much less than 1% of the original weight. A
distance of 40 000 feet (from the earth’s surface to a high altitude airplane) is
not very far when compared to a distance of 6.38 x 10 6m (equivalent to nearly
20 000 000 feet from the center of the earth). This alternation of distance is like
a drop in a bucket when compared to the large radius of the earth. As shown in
the diagram below, distance of separation becomes much more influential
when a significant variation is made

Force of Gravitational towards Earth for a 70-kg Physics Student at various

location
 The second conceptual to be made about the above sample calculations
is that the use of Newton’s universal gravitation equation to calculate the force
of gravity (or weight) yields the same result as when calculating it using the
equation. Fgrav = mxg = (70 kg) x (9.8 m/s2) = 686 N

Both equations accomplish the same result because the value of g is

equivalent to the ration of (G x Mearth)/(Rearth)2.

The universality of gravity

Gravitational interactions do not simply exist between the earth and
other objects; and not simply between the sun and other planets. Gravitational
interactions exist between all objects with an intensity that is directly
proportional to the product of their masses. So as you sit in your seat in the
physics classroom, you are gravitationally attracted to your partner, to the desk
you are working at, and even to your physics book. Newton’s revolutionary idea
was that gravity is universal- All objects attract in proportion to the product of
their masses. Gravity is universal. Of course, most gravitational forces are so
minimal to be noticed. Gravitational forces are only recognizable as the masses
of objects become large.

Learning Competency:
Use Newton’s Law of Gravitation to infer gravitational force, weight, and
acceleration due to gravity STEM_GP12G-llb-16

ACTIVITY 1: Finding my force!!

Directions: Use Newton’s Universal Gravitation equation to calculate the force
of gravity between the following familiar objects.
 Mass of Object 1 Mass of Object 2 Separation Force of
(kg) (kg) Distance (m) Gravity (N)

a. Football Player Earth 5.98 6.38 x 106 m

100kg x 10 kg
24
(on surface)
b. Ballerina Earth 5.98 6.38 x 106 m
40kg x 1024 kg
(on surface)
c. Physics Student Earth 5.98 6.60 x 106 m
70 kg x 10 kg
24
(low-height orbit)

d. Physics Student Physics Student 1m

70 kg 70 kg
e. Physics Student Physics Student 0.2m
70 kg 70 kg
f. Physics Student Physics Student 1m
70 kg 80 kg
g. Physics Student Moon 1.71 x 106 m
70 kg 7.34 x 1022 kg (on surface)
h. Physics Student Jupiter 1.901 6.98 x 107 m
70 kg x 1027 kg
(on surface)

ACTIVITY 2: Choose the correct answer.

Directions: Choose the best answer to the following questions
1. Which is needed to determine the amount of gravitational force between
two objects?
a. Distance and mass’
b. Weigh and time
c. Area and weight
2. The gravitational force exerted by an object depends on its
a. Volume
 b. Mass
c. Weight
3. The SI units of force are measured in
a. Grams
b. Newtons
c. Pounds
d. Kilograms
4. The force of gravity (mass x gravity) is also known as .......
a. Mass
b. Weight
c. Distance
d. Acceleration
5. Which of the following statements refers to gravitational force?

https://justdoscience.weebly .com/uploads/2/5/2/9/2529400/6274505.png481

a. It makes objects at rest start moving

b. It makes objects that are moving stop
c. The force of attraction between two objects
d. It pulls you into space

6. It is said to be that Earth’s gravity has a value of 9.8 m/s 2. Earth’s gravity
is considered as a/an? a. Force
b. Weight
c. Acceleration
d. Mass
7. How is the gravitational force between two objects related to their mass?
a. They are directly proportional
b. They are inversely proportional
c. They do not affect each other
 d. They are equal
8. Which of the following equations refers to Newton’s Law on Gravitation?
a. F=Gm1m2/d
b. F=Gm1m2/d2
c. F=Gm1m2/2d
d. F=m1m2/2d
9. What states that every object in the universe attracts every other object”?
a. Law of Universal Gravitation
b. Newton’s First Law of Motion
c. Newton’s Third law
d. Inertia and Gravity
10. If these teams are pulling with the same amount of force what will
happen?

https://www.123rf.com/photo_84007819_group -of-children-playing-tug-of-
war.html
a. The left team will win
b. They will not move at all
c. The right team will win
d. Both will fall down

Gravitational Field

Background Information for the Learners (BIL)

Gravitational field like any other force field is responsible for the
force on a body. Gravitational fields originate from all the massive bodies
and result in the attractive pull known as the gravitational force of the
body. More studies are going on in the field of physics to fully understand
this force and these fields.
 Gravitational Field, Gravitation, or gravity is a natural phenomenon
by which physical bodies attract with a force proportional to their masses.
The gravitational interaction between two bodies can be expressed by a
central force which is proportional to the mass of bodies and inversely
proportional to the square of the distance that separates them.

F = G m₁ .
m₂
r²
where:
F= central force
G= universal gravitational constant = 6.67x10ˉ¹¹ N.m²/kg²
m = mass of the objects
r = distance between the two masses

The gravitational field is a physical property that is communicated to

the space by a mass m. This field is characterized by conservative vector
fields and it can be represented with a lines of force.
The gravitational field strength at any point in space is defined as the
force per unit mass (on a small test mass) at that point.

g = F/m (in N/kg)

Gravitational field around a point mass

If we have two masses m and m distance r apart
1 2

F= Gm₁m₂
r²

Looking at the force on m due to m , F = gm

1 2 1

F = Gm₁m₂/r = gm1
g (field due to m₂)
= Gm₂/r²
 If we have two masses m₁ and m₂ distance r apart

F = Gm₁.m₂ /r² m₁ m₂

e to m₂, F = gm 1
F = Gm₁m₂/r² = gm₁
2

g (field due to m ) = Gm /r
2 2

For any planet;

g = Gm₂/rp²

Don’t forget that for non-point mass, r is the distance to the center of mass

Fields as the gravitational fields that are defined at each point of space
by a vector quantity are called vector fields. These fields can be represented by
lines of force. A line of force has the characteristic of being tangent at all its
points to the direction of the field at that point and its meaning is the same as
that of the field. Gravitational field is a vector, and any calculations regarding
fields
(especially involving addition of fields from more than one mass) must use
vector addition.
(i) Field here due to both
masses

m₁
m₂
 (ii) Field here due to both
masses

Field due to m₁

m₁ m₂

(iii)
Field here due to m₂
Field due to m₁

Resultant field
m₁ m₂

Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

(G = universal gravitational constant) = 6.67x10ˉ¹¹
N.m²/kg² Force between two masses; F = Gm₁ m₂
r²
Gravitational Field Strength; g = _F_
m
Magnitude of gravitational field strength in a radial field; g = GM
r²

The minus sign means that the gravitational field is directed in the
opposite direction to the unit vector that it points the direction from the
Earth to the point in question.

Gravitational field patterns

A gravitational field can be represented by lines and arrows on a
diagram, in a similar way to magnetic field lines.

The closer the lines

are together, the stronger the force

felt.
 This is an

example of a Note, gravity is

radial field always attractive

Field around a uniform spherical mass

The figure below the direction that a mass would accelerate if
placed in the field and help us to imagine the field.
Around a spherical mass the field lines are closer together
nearer the surface, so the field strength is larger.

https://spark.iop.org/collections/gravitational-fields#gre

Field close to the earth’s surface

Field Lines near the Earth are almost parallel.
The field is uniform. Wherever you are near the surface of the
earth you are pulled down with the same Force/Kilogram.
 Uniform

https://spark.iop.org/collections/gravitational-fields#gre

Gravitational Potential Energy

Background Information for the Learners (BIL)

Gravitational Potential Energy
Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) is the energy that an object has due
to its position relative to the Earth’s surface. For instance, we are in a system
(Earth’s atmosphere) where each body exerts force on each other. If there is a
change in position with respect to the earth’s surface, then there would be a
gain in potential energy.

The gravitational force that acts on every kg of mass near the Earth’s
surface is represented as g with a value of 10N/kg or 10m/s² so you can think
of g in two ways.

1. A gravitational force of 10N acts on every kg of mass near

the Earth’s surface.

2.
A free-falling object near the Earth’s surface will accelerate at
10m/s²
 But you may ask, where did the acceleration, 10ms -2 come from?
Well you have learnt that 1N =1kg.m/s². So, if g = 10N/kg then in
place of N we would write 10 kgms-2/kg.

g= 10N; = 10kgms-2
kg kg
g = 10
ms-2 Notice that kg cancels out and
you are left with 10ms-2. If greater
accuracy is required in a
calculation, then use g = 9.8N/kg
or 9.8ms-2. Calculating
gravitational potential energy

If you decide to run up the steps of a building, the force of gravity

will act on you, thus, there is force between you and the surface of the
earth. As you make your way up the steps you are doing work by moving
yourself from the ground floor up the steps. As you move up, the force of
gravity will act on you so you will carry your own weight up the steps.
This results in work being done so you will gain gravitational potential
energy

An object of mass (m) at a vertical height (h) above the ground

has a gravitational potential energy (mgh)

Work done = change in gravitational potential energy (GPE)

= Force x distance
= weight x height
= mass x acceleration due to gravity x height
= mgh
GPE = mgh

Example 1
If you weigh 60kg and ran up the building steps covering a distance
of 30 meters then the GPE is calculated as follows:
 GPE = mgh

= 60kg x 10m/s2 x 30m

= 18 000kg.m²/s²
= 18 000 J

OR
GPE = 60kg x 9.8m/s2 x 30m

= 17 640 kg.m²/s²
= 17 640J

If you use g = 10m/s2 then the answer in example 1 is 18 000J. If

you use g = 9.8ms-2 then the answer is 17640J.

For every calculations dealing with GPE, use g = 10ms -2. But some
questions will require you to use g = 9.8ms-2 for more accuracy in
calculations.

Example 2

An object has a mass of 6kg. Calculate its GPE

a) 4m above the ground and

b) 8m above the ground
c) At what height above the ground will its GPE be 360J?

Solution

a) GPE = mgh
= 6kg x 10ms-2 x 4m

= 240J

b) GPE = mgh
 = 6kg x 10ms-2 x 8m

= 480J

c. GPE = mgh

h = GPE

mg

= 6m

Example 3
If you lift a 3kg object from an initial height of 5m to a height of 8m
and place it at the top of a shelf, you are doing work on it, since you
are applying a force that is in the direction of its displacement (both
vertical). In doing work on it, you are also changing its GPE.

Calculate the change in GPE of the above scenario. (use g = 10ms -

2
)

(i) At initial height of 5m, the GPE is:

GPE = mgh
= 3kg x 10ms -2 x
5m =
150J

(ii) At final height of 8m, the GPE is:

GPE = mgh
= 3kg x 10ms-2 x 8m
= 240J
(iii) Therefore, the change in GPE is 240J, 150J, 90J

A simpler way to calculate the change in GPE above is by taking

the difference in height and then substitute the difference in the
formula mgh to find the change in GPE.

(i) Difference in height (is also stated as change in height) is

8m,
5m, 3m. Change in height is represented by delta h

(ii) Therefore, GPE is:

GPE = mgh

= 3kg x 10m/s2 x (3m)

= 90 kg.m²/²
= 90J

Energy is a scalar quantity

Mass A and B have the same magnitude. A was moved up the

slope with less force but the distance moved was greater. Mass B
was lifted vertically from the ground. Same amount of work was
done in each case so both masses have the same GPE. So to
calculate the gravitational potential energy of A and B you need to
know the vertical height only but not the direction taken. Therefore,
energy is a scalar quantity because direction is not considered.
 (Flexible Open and Distance Education Papua New Guinea)

Example 4
A 35kg beer keg is rolled up a 5m long plank, which makes
a 30° inclination to the ground. What is the GPE of the keg at the
top?

Solution
A 30° incline plane with a
hypotenuse of 5m has a vertical
height given by: 5.0 sin 30° =
2.5m.

GPE = mgh

= 35kg x10ms-2 x 2.5m

= 875J (Flexible Open and Distance Education
Papua New Guinea)

Planetary and Satellite Motion

Background Information for the Learners (BIL)

A satellite is any object that is orbiting the earth, sun or other massive
body. It maybe natural like the moon or man-made like those launched in space
for the specific purposes like communication, researches, weather forecasts,
etc. This module will discuss the underlying principles and mathematical
equations in the motion of planets and satellites.
Satellite Motion
Satellites follow a projectile motion where it is acted upon by the force of
gravity. It was Newton who first theorized that if an object is launched with
sufficient speed, it would orbit the Earth.
Let’s take a look on Figure 1. Consider
a cannonball fired from the top of a mountain.
It will follow a trajectory similar to a projectile
motion. As the projectile moves horizontally
in a direction
tangent to the earth, the force of gravity
would pull it downward. Paths A and B
illustrate the path of a projectile with
insufficient launch speed for orbital motion.
But if launched with sufficient speed, the
projectile would fall towards the earth at the
same rate that the earth curves. This would
cause the projectile to stay the same height
above the earth and to orbit in a circular path Figure 1. Satellite Motion
(such as path C). And at even greater launch https:// -
speed, a cannonball would once more orbit cdn1.byjus.com/wp
content/uploads/2018/11/physics/
the earth, but now in an elliptical path (as in 2015/12/2
path D). At every point
along its trajectory, a satellite is falling toward the
earth. Yet because the earth curves, it never 0072839/32.png reaches
the earth.
Therefore, what should be the launch speed so that a projectile will orbit
the Earth? The answer lies on the curvature of the Earth. For every 8000 meters
measured along the horizon of the earth,
the earth's surface curves downward by
approximately 5 meters. For a projectile to
orbit the earth, it must travel horizontally a
distance of 8000 meters for every 5
meters of vertical fall. For this reason, a
projectile launched horizontally with a
speed of about 8000 m/s will be capable http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/
of orbiting the earth in a circular path. If circle
shot with a s/u6l4b2.gif speed greater than 8000 m/s, it would orbit the earth in an
elliptical path.
The motion of objects is governed by Newton's laws. The same simple
laws that govern the motion of objects on earth also extend to the heavens--to
govern the motion of planets, moons, and other satellites.
Orbital Speed Equation
 Consider a satellite with mass Msat orbiting a central body with a mass of
mass MCentral. The central body could be a planet, the sun or some other large
mass capable of causing sufficient acceleration on a less massive nearby
object. If the satellite moves in circular motion, then the net centripetal force
(Fc), acting upon this orbiting satellite is given by the relationship
𝑀𝑠𝑎𝑡 × 𝑣2
𝐹𝑐 = 𝑟
equation (1)
This net centripetal force is the result of the gravitational force (Fg) that attracts
the satellite towards the central body and can be represented as 𝐺×𝑀𝑠𝑎𝑡×𝑀𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙
𝐹𝑔 = 𝑟2
equation (2)
Since Fc = Fg, then we have
𝑀𝑠𝑎𝑡 × 𝑣2 𝐺 × 𝑀𝑠𝑎𝑡 × 𝑀𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙
𝑟 = 𝑟2
We now have the equation for orbital speed,
𝐺×𝑀𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙
𝑣=√ equation (3)
𝑟
where: G = 6.673 x 10-11 N•m2/kg2
Mcentral = the mass of the central body where the satellite
orbits r = the radius of orbit for the satellite

The Acceleration Equation

The equation for the acceleration of gravity is given as
𝐺 × 𝑀𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙
𝑔= 𝑟2
Therefore, the acceleration of a satellite in a circular motion is given by the
equation,
𝐺×𝑀𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙
𝑎= 𝑟2
equation (4)
where: G = 6.673 x 10-11 N•m2/kg2
r = the average radius of orbit of the satellite

Orbital Period Equation

Note that the speed (v) is the ratio of the distance (2𝜋𝑟) travelled in one
revolution and the period (T),
2𝜋𝑟 𝑇2 4𝜋2
 =
𝑣= 𝑇 or we also have 𝑟3 𝐺×𝑀𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙
equation(5)

Then period of a satellite (T) and the mean distance from the central body
(r) are related by the following equation: 3⁄2
2𝜋𝑟
𝑇= equation (6)
√𝐺𝑀𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙
where: T = period of the satellite
r = average radius of orbit for the satellite
G = 6.673 x 10-11 N•m2/kg2

A geosynchronous satellite is a satellite that orbits the earth with an

orbital period of 24 hours, thus matching the period of the earth's rotational
motion. A special class of geosynchronous satellites is a geostationary
satellite. A geostationary satellite orbits the earth in 24 hours along an orbital
path that is parallel to an imaginary plane drawn through the Earth's equator.
Such a satellite appears permanently fixed above the same location on the
Earth.

Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion

In the early 1600s, Johannes Kepler proposed three laws of planetary

motion.
Kepler was able to summarize the carefully collected data of his mentor, Tycho
Brahe, with three statements that described the motion of planets in a sun-
centered solar system.

Kepler's three laws of planetary motion are as follows:

• The Law of Ellipses. The path of the planets about the sun is elliptical in
shape, with the center of the sun being located at one focus.
• The Law of Equal Areas. An imaginary line drawn from the center of the
sun to the center of the planet will sweep out equal areas in equal
intervals of time.
• The Law of Harmonies. The ratio of the squares of the periods of any
two planets is equal to the ratio of the cubes of their average distances
from the sun.

The Law of Ellipses

In his first law of planetary motion, the law of ellipses,
Kepler described that the path of the planets orbiting
the sun follows an elliptical shape or an ellipse. An
ellipse is a special curve in which the sum of the Sun B
distances from every point on the curve to two other
points is a constant. The two other points (represented
here by the Sun and point B) are known as the foci of
the ellipse. Kepler's first law is rather simple - all
Planet
planets orbit the sun in a path that resembles an
ellipse, with the sun being located at one of the foci of
that ellipse.

The Law of Equal Areas

Kepler’s second law describes the speed

at which any given planet will move while orbiting
the sun. The speed at which any planet moves
through space is constantly changing. This is due
to the planets’ elliptical orbit and the fact that the
sun is not in the center of the orbital path. If a line
were drawn from the center of the planet to the
center of the sun, that line would sweep out the
same area in equal periods of time.
At equal periods of time, a planet will
sweep out the same area as it orbits around the
sun. A planet moves fastest when it is closest to
the sun and slowest when it is farthest from the http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/circles/u

sun. 6l4a2.gif

The Law of Harmonies

Kepler’s third law compares the orbital period and radius of orbit of a
planet to those of other planets. The comparison being made is that the ratio of
the squares of the periods to the cubes of their average distances from the sun
is the same for every planet.

Let us consider the orbital period and average distance from sun (orbital
radius) for Earth and Mars as given in the table.

Planet Period Average T2/R3 (s2/m3)

(s) Distance (m)
 Earth 3.156 x 107 s 1.4957 x 1011 2.977 x 10-19
Mars 5.93 x 107 s 2.278 x 1011 2.975 x 10-19

Observe that the T2/r3 ration of Earth and Mars are the same.

𝑇 𝑚2
𝑟32 = 𝑘 = 2.977 𝑥 10−19 ⁄𝑠3 equation (7) where: T =

orbital period

r = orbital radius

Let’s take a look on the T 2/r3 ratio of the planets on the solar system. Take note
that they have almost the same T2/r3 ratio.

Period (years) Average distance T2/r3 ratio (yr2/au3)

Planet
(au)
Mercury 0.241 0.39 0.98
Venus .615 0.72 1.01
Earth 1.00 1.00 1.00
Mars 1.88 1.52 1.01
Jupiter 11.8 5.20 0.99
Saturn 29.5 9.54 1.00
Uranus 84.0 19.18 1.00
Neptune 165 30.06 1.00
Pluto 248 39.44 1.00
11
* 1 astronomical unit (au) = 1.4957 x 10 meters = distance of Earth from
Sun ** 1 year is the time of Earth to orbit the Sun = 3.156 x 10 7 seconds

Therefore,

(𝑇1)2 = (𝑟1)3 equation (8)

𝑇2 𝑟2

This is the only one of Kepler's three laws that deals with more than one
planet at a time. It has been calculated that this ratio holds for all the planets in
our solar system, in addition to moons and other satellites. It was this law that
inspired Newton, who came up with three laws of his own to explain why the
planets move as they do.

Sample problem #1

The average orbital distance of Mars is 1.52 times the average orbital distance
of the Earth. Knowing that the Earth orbits the sun in approximately 365 days,
use Kepler's law of harmonies to predict the time for Mars to orbit the sun.

Given: 𝑟𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑠 = 1.52 ∙ 𝑟𝐸𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ ; 𝑇𝐸𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ = 365 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠

Solution: Using Kepler’s 3rd Law equation (8),

𝑇𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑟𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑠

2
√ (𝑇𝐸𝑎𝑟𝑡 ℎ) 𝑥 (𝑟𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑠 ) 3 (365 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠) 2𝑥 (1.52𝑟𝐸𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ)3 = 684 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠
= 3 = √ 3
(𝑟𝐸𝑎𝑟𝑡 ℎ ) 𝑟𝐸𝑎𝑟𝑡 ℎ
𝑇𝑀𝑎𝑟
𝑠

WORD SEARCH PUZZLE

Directions: Search and underline the word/s being described in the following
statements below. The answers maybe found horizontally, vertically, or
diagonally.

Satellite - Any object that is orbiting the earth, sun or other massive body.

Geostationary- A satellite that orbits the earth in 24 hours along an

orbital path that is parallel to an imaginary plane drawn through the
Earth's equator.
Centripetal force - A force exerted by any object moving in a circle (or
along a circular path).
 Gravitational - It is a force that attracts any two objects with mass.

orbital speed - It is the speed at which satellites/planets orbits around the

center of a system.

KEPLER’S LAWS OF PLANETARY MOTION

Kepler’s first law of planetary motion is called law of ellipses. It states the orbit
of a planet around the sun is an ellipse, having the sun as one of the foci. The
sun therefore is not the center of the ellipse but is instead one focus. Planets
follow the ellipse making the distance between the Earth and the Sun constantly
changing.
 The second law is called the law of equal areas. It states that a planet
moves around the sun in such a way that a line drawn from the sun to the
planets sweeps equal areas in equal periods of time. The planet moves faster
when it is nearer the sun. Thus, the planet moves fastest at the perihelion
(shortest distance) and slowest at the aphelion (farthest distance). This law is a
consequence of the conservation of angular momentum.

The third law is called the harmonic law or the law of periods. It states that the
ratio of the squares of the periods P (or T in other references) of any two
planets revolving around the sun is equal to the ratio of the cubes of their mean
distance R (or d in other references) from the sun. Period is the time for a planet
to travel one revolution around the Sun.
Kepler's Third Law implies that the period for a planet to orbit the Sun
increases rapidly with the radius of its orbit. Thus, we find that Mercury, the
innermost planet, takes only 88 days to orbit the Sun but the outermost planet
(Pluto) requires
248 years to do the same. (Note that the subscripts “1” and 2” distinguish
quantities for planet 1 and 2 respectively.

Periodic Motion

Background Information for the Learners (BIL)

Periodic motion refers to motion that is repeated at regular intervals of

time. Examples of periodic motion are the movement of hands of a clock, the
pendulum in a grandfather’s clock, a rocking chair, heartbeat, the rotation of the
blades of an electric fan, and the movement of earth about its axis and about
the sun.
A body undergoing periodic motion always has a stable equilibrium position.
The equilibrium position, otherwise known as resting position, is the position
assumed by the body when it is not vibrating. This equilibrium position is
represented by position O of the girl in the swing in figure 8-1.

Fig. 8-1. The motion of the swing is an example of periodic motion

Source: Silverio,Angelina.”Exploring Life Through Science Series: General Physics 1.” In Teachers
Wraparound Edition. Quezon City, Phoenix Pulishing House, Inc., 2017
 When the girl is displaced from its equilibrium position to position A, a restoring
force (gravity) acts on it to pull it back toward position O. A restoring force is a
force that tends to restore a body from its displacement to its equilibrium
position. By the time the girl reaches position O, the body has gained kinetic
energy, overshoots this position, moves, stops somewhere on the other side
(position B). The body is again pulled back toward equilibrium. Vibrations about
this equilibrium position results only from the action of the restoring force. The
amplitude (A) of vibration is the maximum displacement of a body from its
equilibrium position. This is represented by the displacement from position O to
position A or from position O to position B.

The period (T) of a body in periodic motion is the time required to make
a complete to-and-fro motion is called a cycle. Referring to figure 8-1, the
motion of the swing from position A to position B and back to position A is one
cycle. Period is usually expressed in seconds.
Frequency (f) is the number of cycles per unit of time. Its SI unit is the hertz,
abbreviated as Hz. One hertz is equal to one cycle per second.
Frequency is the reciprocal of period.

Sometimes, angular frequency (ω) is used instead of frequency. Angular

frequency is commonly expressed in radians per second. The relationship
between angular frequency is given by: or

Activity 4: Fact or Bluff

Directions: Write Fact if the statement is true. If the statement is False, write
Bluff. Write your answer on the space provided.

________________1. Period is directly proportional to frequency.

________________2. Heartbeat is an example of periodic motion
________________3. A body undergoing periodic motion always has an
unstable equilibrium position.
________________4. A pendulum with a frequency of 2 hertz has a period of
0.5 s.
________________5. The amplitude of a vibration is not related to the
equilibrium position.
________________6. One complete to-and-fro motion is called a cycle.
________________7. The resting position is otherwise known as the
equilibrium position.
________________8. Angular frequency is represented by greek letter α.
________________9. An object is undergoing periodic motion when it moves
repeatedly at regular intervals of time.
________________10. The motion of the swing is an example of rotational
motion.

Work

Work is done whenever a force produces movement. The greater the force
and the distance moved the more work is done. Therefore, work is defined
as the product of the force applied and the distance moved in the
direction of the force. It is a scalar quantity and can be calculated using the
formula:

Work done(W)= force(F)×distance moved in the direction of the

force(d) W = F × d

From the definition of work we see that the units are force (N) times distance
(m). Thus, the SI unit for work is newton-metre (Nm). The newton-metre is
also called the Joule (J).

1 joule (J) of work is done when a force of 1 newton (N) moves a body
through a distance of 1 metre (m):

Example
1 J = 1 Nm = 1 kgm /s2 2

If a force of 47N moves an object through a distance of 2m, then the work done is:

Solution
W = F× d
= 47N× 2m
= 94J

Work done by constant force

Force can be applied horizontally, vertically or at an angle to do work.
i. Force applied horizontally
When the applied force is parallel to the displacement that means they
are in the same direction. If the force acts right, the object will move right
and if the force acts left the object will move left.

Figure 1 Force in the same direction as the displacement

Example 1
Ben Travlun carries a 200N suitcase up three flights of stairs, a height of
10.0m and then pushes it with a horizontal force of 50.0N at a constant speed
of 0.5m/s for a horizontal distance of 35.0 metres. How much work does Ben
do on his suitcase during this entire motion?

Solution
The motion has two parts: (a) pulling vertically to displace the suitcase
vertically and (b) pushing horizontally to displace the suitcase
horizontally.

a. W =Fdcosθ
= 200N×10m×cos 0 o

= 2000J

b. W = Fdcosθ
= 50N×35m×cos 0 o

= 1750J

The total work done is 3750J (the sum of the two parts).

Example 2
A boy lifts a 40 kilogram bale of rice onto the back of truck two metres above the
ground.

a. How much force is required to lift the bale of rice?

b. How much work is done by the boy in loading the bale of rice to the back of the
truck?
 Solution
The force required to lift the bale of rice is equal to force due to gravity.
Acceleration due to gravity is 10m/s . 2

a. Force= ma
= 40kg×10ms -2

= 400N

b. W = Fdcosθ
= 400N×2m×cos 0 o

= 800J

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